Our use of cookies

Options

Back

We use cookies to help our site work, to understand how it is used, and to tailor the adverts presented on our site. By clicking “Accept” below, you agree to us doing so. You can read more in our
cookie notice. Or, if you do not agree, you can click Manage below to access other choices.

You can choose whether or not to accept advertising cookies from our advertising partner Google using the buttons below. If you choose not to, you will still see adverts on our site, because they help us to fund it, but those adverts will not be tailored to you. You can also choose not to accept session and analytics cookies through the settings in your browser, but some parts of our site might stop working as a result. You can also learn more in our
cookie notice.

He estimates that an accident takes place at the spot around once a week.

In an effort to avoid further incidents at the junction, Cllr Archer secured £30,000 of funding from the Esher-based engineering firm Keltbray to facilitate the move next spring.

The relocation has also been planned in conjunction with Alderpeel Architects.

Cllr Archer said moving the memorial will declutter the junction and reduce the number of accidents.

Cllr David Archer by the war memorial in Esher(Image: TMS)

“Moving the war memorial up the green will give it a more dignified presence,” Cllr Archer said.

“Each year the crowds at the church have gotten bigger and bigger and they spill onto the roads, so there have been incidents of people tripping over curbs into the road.”

The War Memorials Trust was previously opposed to the relocation of the memorial, saying such moves risk damage to the memorial.

However, they have since removed their objections after receiving evidence that the memorial’s relocation would improve safety at the junction.

The 2016 Remembrance Service and parade at Esher War Memorial(Image: Surrey Advertiser)

Frances Moreton, director at the War Memorials Trust, said: “War Memorials Trust initially objected to the proposals to relocate Esher war memorial in 2016 as we did not feel that sufficient justification had been provided as part of the Listed Building Consent application.

“However, in some circumstances the relocation of a war memorial is necessary when it will lead to substantial benefits to the local community, such as improving road safety.

“Working with Elmbridge Borough Council , Councillor Archer has demonstrated that the only way to improve the safety of the junction is to relocate the war memorial further onto Esher Green.”

One of the many previous collisions at the junction in 2016.(Image: Tim Jenkins)

Ms Moreton added: “Having received this evidence, War Memorials Trust has now removed its objections and is working with Councillor Archer to ensure the war memorial can be safely relocated.

“This will take place next year when the weather is more appropriate for the work and to avoid clashing with the Remembrance Sunday service.”

Cllr Archer has confirmed there will be no disruption to roads during the relocation.

Keep up to date with the latest news from around the county via the free Get Surrey app.

You can set up your app to see all the latest news and events from your area, plus receive push notifications for breaking news.